ArtPrize unveiled its 2012 poster today design direction for the fourth annual event created by social media entrepreneur Rick DeVos.

The design of the commemorative poster, created by Square One, will be translated into event signage, apparel, merchandise and more for the $560,000 competition and exhibition opening Sept. 19-Oct. 7 in downtown Grand Rapids.

The ArtPrize 2012 poster was inspired by the “Op-Art” tradition, organizers said.

The graphic, pattern-driven style is known for its ability to play with the eye, dancing the line between two and three dimensions.

“Our 2012 graphic style will make viewers look, stretch their minds, and look again in order to build understanding," said ArtPrize marketing director Todd Herring, earlier before the unveiling. "It’s through this activity of gaining perspective that ArtPrize happens and our community thrives."

Lindsay Jones, a designer with Square One, designed the 2012 poster. In fact, she also created the 2010 and 2011 posters for Square One.

ArtPrize executive director Catherine Creamer and Square One Design principle Lin Ver Meulen unveiled the poster LaFontsee Gallery, 833 Lake Drive, at an open house that began at 5:30 p.m.

Tonight was the first public look at the 2012 ArtPrize commemorative poster, which will further inspire, signage, maps, clothing, other merchandise and more.

The inaugural ArtPrize in 2009 did not have an advertising poster in advance. But after the event, organizers issued a commemorative poster that illustrated ArtPrize 2009 had had 1,262 artists and 159 venues participating in the 18-day event.

ArtPrize has issued posters ever since in advance of the competition in which the public will decide some $360,000 in prize money to the Top 10 favorite entries in a public vote.

New for the fourth exhibition is a $100,000 Grand Jury Award on top of five $20,000 Juried Awards in different media, chosen by a panel of expert judges.